Greek leader lands award for anti-piracy efforts

Date: 16/01/03

COSTAS Simitis, the premier of EU presidency holders Greece has bagged a "Cyber Champion" award for making huge strides to clamp down on computer software pirates.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) - a group of computer firms including Microsoft and Cisco Systems - said Simitis had helped his country shake off its image as a nation that tolerates abuses of intellectual property.

BSA president Robert Holleyman said he "has been instrumental" in promoting sound software management programmes for governments and enterprises, and in encouraging the Greek administration to adopt public policies that support strong copyright protection.

Holleyman said Simitis had ensured Greece became the first member state to adopt the EU's new copyright directive - designed to bring intellectual property rules in line with the digital age.

Simitis also pushed through a law getting rid of a 2 levy on computer equipment opposed by IT and software companies.

Costas Simitis, the Greek premier, has been praised for his efforts to clamp down on computer software pirates.